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Cover Story
Fra Bartolommeo: The Rest on the Flight into Egypt with Saint John the Baptist Italian, Florence, about 1509
51 X 42 in.
96.PB.15
Collection: The J. Paul Getty Museum. Used with permission.
A serene Holy Family rests from its travels on a beautiful summer afternoon. Mary and Joseph watch as the Christ Child grasps a reed cross being offered by the infant John the Baptist. Several other elements also evoke Christ's Passion. The palm tree on the left suggests the palm.fronds that would pave Christ's final entry into Jerusalem, while the pomegranate, lying on the ground in.front ofMary, is a symbol of his Resurrection. Paintings of this period often depicted in the background related elements of the main story represented; in this painting, in the upper right, the artist showed the Holy Family fleeing Bethlehem to avoid the massacre of boys under the age of two ordered by King Herod.
The artist, Fra Bartolommeo de/la Porta (c. 1474 - c. 1517), was born in Florence and apprenticed at the age of ten to Cosimo Rosselli (1439-1507) who ran a well known studio Bartolommeo was in the convent of San Marco in 1498 when it was stormed and its Prior, Savonarola, was dragged to prison. Vowing to become a monk, which he did in 1500, the young artist rose to head of the monastery workshop in I 504.
Fra Bartolommeo was known for the rapt expressions on the faces of his figures and for the simplistic beauty of presentation. Interested in demonstrating the gulf between the divine and the human, he was among the first to replace contemporary costumes of religious figures with more generalized drapery.
The J. Paul Getty Museum, from which this painting comes , is part of the extraordinary Getty Center opened in December 1997 in Los Angeles, California. Situated in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, the 110-acre campus also features the Getty Research Institute with its extensive exhibition areas and 800,000-volume Research Library open to the public, the Getty Conservation Institute, and the Getty Grant Program Eighty-six acres of spectacular landscaped gardens and terraces provide panoramic views of the Los Angeles cityscape, the San Gabriel Mountains, the ocean and the surrounding 600 acres preserved in their natural state .
Designed by architect Richard Meier, the modernist complex is clad in cleft-cut Italian travertine, a variety of limestone. The stone is believed to have been formed between 8,000 and 80,000 years ago. In the process, organic matter-leaves , branches, fish-was trapped in the rock; those fossilized remains are visible today on many of the wall tiles, rough-cut through a special process developed especially for the project.
The Museum itself is comprised of five two-story pavilions around a central courtyard The galleries house collections of pre-20th century European paintings, including works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Monet, drawings by masters such as Michelangelo and Degas, and illuminated manuscripts ; sculpture and decorative arts, as well as
photographs. Current and upcoming exhibits of interest to Nativity lovers are the following: Manuscripts in the Age of Cathedrals, 1200-1350(December 16, 2003-March 7, 2004) and Manuscripts in the Age of Monasteries, 800-1200 (March 23-June 13, 2004).
Admission to the Getty Center is always free. Parking is $5 per car. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Parking reservations are required for on-site weekday parking before 4 p.m and for special events. A nearby free parking and shuttle service requires no reservations Tel: 310-440-7300 or www.getty.edu.
Dear Readers,
Two puzzles recently came to our attention. What was the American Christmas Crib Society and what happened to it? What happened to the creche society in Great Britain that some of us had heard mentioned?
The question about the American society originally came from the Italian Friends of the Creche . Both Reverend Johann Roten of the Marian Library, University of Dayton, Ohio, and our contributing editor, Mary Herzel, became intrigued. We include in this issue Herzel's findings.
We also were able to locate the two books written by the founder, Reverend Aloysius Hom, and which even his surviving niece did not have. One, at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library in Fremont, Ohio, included a photo ofan 1880 Nativity scene; the other, a slim volume of Christmas related historical events, surfaced at the Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Library in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.
Information about the British creche society happened more serendipitously. On the internet, I came across the name of Maria Hubert von Staufer. It was a name from my early days of Creche Herald when Countess von Staufer's extensive Christmas related research and Nativity collection had been mentioned to me. As often happens, we had not been in contact for several years
I could not resist writing to see how she was, and it was then she graciously offered to write a summary of the creche society in Great Britain which she had founded .
Thus, in addition to our purchasing ideas from Eileen Canty, and other Nativity related articles, we offer answers to a couple of Nativity related mysteries
Rita Bacher, Publisher
Creche nerald Photo Contest Lights!
setting! camera!
Show us your interesting Nativities . Rules are simple Just get out that camera this season and take some photos you'd like to share. Open to all subscribers .
1. Hard copy prints only . If you are using a digital camera , please make and send hard copy prints
2. Size of Prints : no smaller than 4" x 6" nor larger than 8" x 10" .
3 Prints may be black and white or color
4 . It is preferred for publication purposes , but NOT required, that photos be taken from a vertical perspective.
5 . TWO PRINTS ONLY per entry.
6. If you want prints returned, include a stamped self-addressed envelope with sufficient United States postage.
7 Send photos to : Creche Herald Photo Contest, 117 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511
8 Entries must be postmarked by January 15, 2004.
9 . Include your name , address, phone number and email address with each photo .
Photos will be judged by the Faculty and Staff of the Antonelli Institute of Art and Photography , Erdenheim , Pennsylvania.
Winn ing photos will be published in Creche Herald and may be exhibited at the Antonelli Institute of Art and Photography Antonelli will award certificates of merit and film The Grand Prize winner will receive a sterling silver Creche Herald pendant.
Questions may be directed to : Drew Simcox, Antonell i Institute of Art and Photography , 300 Montgomery Avenue, Erdenheim, PA 19038. E-mail: careerservices@antonelli.org
6LOBAL GIFTS
It's that time of year again at the West Coast's hub for one -of-a -kind international folk-art creches, acquired from artisans and craft co-ops all over the world with collectors especially in mind
The annual Nativity Show and Sale at nonprofit GLOBAL GIFTS in San Pedro, the port of Los Angeles , draws a larger and larger crowd every year from the Southern California area and beyond Along with hundreds of creches on offer including some that can be found nowhere else, the volunteer-staffed charity emporium also stocks diverse folk-art ornaments, cards, and unusual gifts At the Show and Sale, held this year on November 1, longtime world-class creche collectors exhibit their own personal favorites for discussion and question-and-answer sessions with visitors.
The show launches creche season at GLOBAL GIFTS, whose buyer spends all year tracking down extraordinary Nativities and filling special requests . This year's selection represents a wide variety of materials, including recycled pop bottles and bottlecaps, straw, wool and other textiles, bone, paper, seeds, nuts, exotic woods, beads, wire, and more
Countries and cultures represented this year include the Canary Islands, Iceland, Tibet, Bulgaria, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Belize, Uganda, Guatemala, Serbia, the Philippines, Haiti, Czech Republic, South Africa, Brazil, the Holy Land, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Costa Rica, Ireland, Uruguay, Germany, Vietnam, Peru, Tanzania, Russia, Boliv ia, Indonesia, Mexico, Romania, Canada, Chile, Peru, and many more .
GLOBAL GIFTS : 531 West 7 th Street, San Pedro, California Open year-' round Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a . m. to 5 p.m. Questions? Directions? Special requests? Call 310-548-1762.
Founding a Creche Society in the U.K.
By Maria Hubert van Staufer
"Britain has nothing to offer in the field of Nativity art," I was told some twenty years ago by one of the European Crib Friends My feathers were ruffled! We had an excellent reputation up to the Reformation as skilled alablasters (carvers of alabaster), and there still are some beautiful examples of the 14 th century religious artwork around . The English Guild ofErnroiderers was also a force to consider, and fine medieval English silver and gold stump work embroidery was some of the best in Europe. The latter were made into small Nativity roundels on Church vestments and book covers
Alas , in the revival years of the Victorians, all our Nativity art was imported from Germany or Italy. Nothing new was being made. Even the engravings were copies of European artists
So , I felt it was time to make a few changes! It was a long hard task. First, I had to persuade the crafts magazines that we had some worthwhile editorial. I needed to find people who could make Christmas creche scenes in their own medium. Eventually, I found forty people working in materials as diverse as glass , slate, embroidery, clay, enamels , pewter, filigree paperwork, and even corn husks. All wanted to be involved in putting Britain on the Nativity art map.
We had a superb exhibition in 1984 of folk cribs from around the world at the Barbican Centre in London , England And the English Speaking Society of Nativities was officially born the following year with our core group of forty Nativity makers We continued with a competition every other year after that, expanding at the Pope's request to all English speaking countries. Indeed, we received a letter of blessing and commendation from the Pope himself after we were accepted into the International Creche Federation in Rome, Italy In about 1987, we had our first entries from Africa and the United States, and the competition was won by an American, Jerry Ehernberger. Sadly, soon after, we lost our funding; bankruptcy and ill health hit , forcing us to stop the annual events. By 1995 , we ceased to have an active society But the crib makers remain
Today, there is hardly a Christmas market in the United Kingdom which does not have at least one maker of Christmas Nativity scenes Some are painted; some are carved, and some are worked in clay . But there they are. Alongside the rest of Europe.
We now are planning a full website exclusively for our Nativity friends . Presently, our Christmas site can be viewed at www .christmasarchives.com.
C ountess Maria Hubert van Staufer, Monmouth , United Kingdom, originally had a co llection of 600 cribs. Half have since been donated to a museum in Brembo , Italy ; others are on loan in Japan , while the rest remain with her for occasional exhibiting.
Celebrating the Season:
Arizona . Tempe King of Glory Lutheran Church 2085 E. Southern Ave "Creches in the Desert " Dec 7-14 408-838-0477. Church: info@kogaz.org; Judy Lagro : judyl@kogaz org California. Whittier. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Whittier Stake, 15625 Mulberry Drive. Dec 4-5: 5-9 p.m. , Dec 6 : 2-9 p m. ; Dec 7 : 4-9p.m. Free Crechefestival@aol.com. District of Columbia.
Washington National Cathedral. Nov 24-Jan 11 Free tours@cathedral.org. 202-537-6200. Free. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center. 3900 Harewood Ave. NW. Nov 18-Jan 25. Tues-Sun. Info@jp2cc.org. 202-635-5400. Donation New York. Ossining Library and New Rochelle Library. December. Collection of Louise Cristina.
Oklahoma . Tulsa. St. Augustine Academy , 6310 E 30 th St. First Sat of Dec: 9a.m .-4p .m . Free.
Pennsylvania. Harrisburg Colonial Park United Church of Christ. 5000 Devonshire Rd Daytime creche exhibit; Living Nativity evenings Dec 13-14 717-545-3782
Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh creche , Share the Love , only authorized replica of the creche erected in front of Saint Peter ' s Basilica in Rome , Italy At the USX Towers Plaza on Grant St. Nov 21- Jan 4 Tel: 412-318-1811. Www.diopitt.org/creche htm.
Wisconsin. Kenosha Live Nativity program with music and refreshments. Oakvue Farm. 1-1 /2 mi west of I-94 on Hwy Q. Dec 19 , 20. 6:30/7:30. Donations. 262-857-7165
Prize winning entry by Jerry Ehernberger in 1987 competition of English Speaking Society of Nativities. Set of six figures was made from embossed tooling aluminum and decorated with stained glass paint to reflect silver underneath Pattern was from an early McCall Christmas catalog Courtesy of Jerry Ehernberger, Chicago, Illinois
Searching for an Early U.S. Nativity Society
By Mary Herzel
My sleuthing began with a message from the International Creche Federation (Universalis Foederatio Praesepistica , known as UN FOE PRAE) requesting information about an "American Crib Society." Despite some dead ends, disappointing leads , and apparently lost information, I was able to glean a brief background of an earlier American Nativity Society.
The first attempt at an American creche society was just after World War I when a German Jesuit, Father Paul Sauer, attempted to start an organization in Spokane, Washington. With little or no communication among the Catholic missions , and lack of interest at the time among other denominations, the effort failed.
A second try enjoyed some longevity Aloysius S Horn (b. 1899/d. 1971) was an American student in Rome at the Catholic North American College in the early 1920s. While there, he purchased some intricately carved Nativity scenes , and his lifelong interest in the Nativity began By 1925, he had started the American Christmas Crib Society. After his ordination in 1928, Father Horn moved back to Fremont, Ohio, where he had been born, and was assigned to Saint Joseph's Parish
At Saint Joseph's, Horn promoted Nativity scenes to be displayed in shop windows, and organized creche competitions. By 1953, his American Christmas Crib Society could boast of 125 members scattered throughout the United States. His society is mentioned as a member of UN.FOE PRAE in its publication of that year.
While the American Christmas Crib Society never had its own publication, Father Horn's articles were printed in magazines in the United States and in Italy, and the Society was listed in the well-known book, The Christmas Crib by Nesta DeRobeck (1956).
By the 1960s, Father Horn was considered a national authority on the creche. He participated in the dedication of an 18th century Nativity scene at the White House in December 1967 as a guest of President Lyndon Johnson . In addition to his articles in the United States and Italy, Father Horn wrote two books: A Christmas Chronicle (1941) and a history of Saint Joseph's Parish, Fremont, Ohio, entitled JOO Candles for St Joseph's (1957). In the latter, Horn quoted an 1876 entry for "Green material for the Christmas Crib, $1.30 ." Other notes included an 1880 entry for "Tree-bark and trees for Crib, 50 cents and $1. 7 5."
No records remain of the American Christmas Crib Society itself, only allusions to it from other sources. With Father Horn's death in 1971, nothing further was heard of the Society .
Sources: Susan Wietnick, Archives Director of the Toledo, Ohio, Catholic Diocese Office ; Barbara Paff, Librarian , Rutherford B Hayes Presidential Library, Fremont, Ohio, and Ettore Formosa , UN.FOE.PRAE, Rome , Italy
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CR£CH£ HERALD PENDANT
Logo in lustrous sterling silver
Size : about 2" $40 plus $4 s/h (U.S address)
Send to:
Creche Herald 117 Crosshill Road Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511 USA
This photo , from 100 C andles for St. Joseph 's , was said by Father Horn to be that of a Christmas crib in 1880 at Saint Joseph's Church , Fremont, Ohio. If so , it might well be the oldest photo extant of a Nativity scene Courtesy of the Rutherford B . Hayes Presidential Library of that city.
Pendant created by Peggy Hart from logo designed by Michael Stumpf. Crafted by Hand & Hammer Silversmiths
Creche Hunting for Nativity Patterns by
Eileen Canty
Before we ever had a creche collection, I had assembled a cache of patterns for making Nativities. It all started with a 1982 library book, McCall's Big Book ofChristmas Knit and Crochet After spotting the four-piece knit creche and the 13-piece crocheted set within, I was hooked.
As I found more instructions, kits, and patterns, I developed a card catalogue and filing system arranged alphabetically by material and/or technique. For example, it includes applique, batik, beads, bread and salt dough clothes pins crewel. cross stitch eggs, felt. .lolly pops and ice cream cones macrame nuts origami. pine cones pompoms ... quilts ... shells, soda bottles, soft stuffed dolls wax, wire, and wood.
Some patterns are still sold by companies such as Annie ' s Attic, Leisure Arts, Simplicity, Butterick, McCall's, and Vogue. Others are from holiday issues of craft or home and garden magazines, books devoted to a single technique such as cross stitch, and annual collections of Christmas decorating ideas. I find new and out-of-print items at library sales, remaindered book stores, craft shops, and of course, on ebay. A selection of patterns follows. Please contact me for other references .
Crochet
The Birth ofChrist, Annie ' s Attic, 1 Annie Lane, Box 212B, Big Sandy, TX 75755 (1992) 17-8" figures.
Heirloom Nativity, House of White Birches, 306 East Parr Road, Berne, IN 46711 (1999) 15-6" figures plus star and stable.
Nativity Scene , Mon Tri cot American (Dec/77) 26-5 "figures based onsantons. Unfortunately, the French magazine, mon tricot , is no longer published
Knit
Jean Greenhowe 's Christmas Special, PO Box 295, Aberdeen, AB( 8NW, Scotland (1991) 11-8" figures . Knit the Christmas Story by Jan Messent, Morehouse Publishing, 78 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897 (1987) 188" figures, gifts , stars, and stable.
Soft Stuffed Dolls
The Nativity # 849 and Creche # 860, Donna Gallagher Creative Needlearts, 6060 Chickadee Place, Westerville, OH 43081 (1987) 12-9" figures, stable, fence, and 5 figures respectively.
An Amish Nativity by Ruth Ann Gingrich and Jan Steffy Mast, Good Books, Intercourse, PA 17534 (1998) 16-14" figures.
Also: Butterick #327 , McCalls #6777 , Simplicity #8776, Vogue #1979.
Wood
Christmas Elegance II/by Juliet Martin , Juliet Designs, 23 North 835 East, Lindon, UT 84042 (1992) 11-16" flat painted figures and arch .
Making Holiday Folk Toys & Figures by Sharon Pierce, Sterling Publishing, 387 Park Avenue S # 5, New York , NY10016 (1987) 9" Flight to Egypt and 8-10" figures
Multiple Items
Better Homes and Gardens Treasury ofChristmas Crafts & Foods. Meredith Corp. Des Moines , IA 50309 (1980)
Nativity grotto, painted wooden triptych. , wooden puzzle, sets of stained glass, draped recycled bottles, needlepoint and jigsaw cut wood .
Better Homes and Gardens Christmas at Home. Address as above . (1992). Scrap fabric , wood and pine cone Nativities
The McCall's Book of Christmas Simon & Schuster, 630 Fifth Avenue, New York , NY 10020 (1975). Items of papier mache, clay, crochet, paper and felt, gingerbread, copper stencils, and glass
The Book ofChristmas Crafts by Deborah Morgenthal, Lark Books , 50 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801 (1997). Items such as pins, banners and creche sets of faux stained glass , recycled cards, painted tin, needlepoint , papier mache, gourds, and cloth.
Eileen Canty can be contacted at: emcanty @aol.com or 345 Point Road, Marion , MA 02738
An unusual "cowboy" Nativity scene created by Southwest sculptor Ji) Gurule , Alameda , New Mexico. Jguru1e3 @comcast.net. Tel : 505-890-1845
FROM OUR READERS:
I had long been thinking that the serene Mary and patient Joseph that I had often seen in creches might not have been the way it was. This led me to carving some white pine which would show a young Mary in an attitude of "Well, it ' s pretty amazing and here it is, by golly, as the Angel said it would be Right now I'm kind of tired ." Joseph too is amazed but mostly he's puzzled.
My wife, Annette, who collaborates with me, has done a poem about the scene that we have used on a Christmas card .
Reverend Charles F. Penniman, Jr Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The Penni mans' collaboration can be seen on page 9.
In late March 2003, my daughter and I traveled down the Amalfi Coast in Italy to a town called Furore and the Grotto de/lo Smeraldo (Cave of the Emerald) By using a lift or panoramic stair, tourists can go down from the square to sea level where a ship waits for those who would like to visit the cave.
The cave was discovered in 1932 by an inhabitant of Amalfi He was sailing along the coast when he was attracted by two strange holes which turned out to be a large cave. The cave entrance, subsequently carved out to allow tourists to enter, is about 60 meters deep and about 24 meters high. There is an underwater creche lying at the bottom of the Grotto de/lo Smeraldo with figures of Mary, Joseph, Jesus , a donkey and a cow.
I thought your readers might enjoy knowing about it, especially with the recent Creches by the Sea convention.
Dee Lisy, Westchester, Illinois.
I am a retired kindergarten teacher Thirteen years ago one of my students came to me with a box He said , "Here, teacher, this is for you." In the box was a Nativity his mom had made I loved it. A few weeks later, I saw another Nativity at a garage sale From then on, I was hooked. Every December I display about 25 Nativities in our school. The students like it and remark about it to the secretary . My own kids smiled about it , but by now, they think it is a neat hobby of mine
Geraldine Wolters, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
A set.from Cairo, Egypt, in Geraldine Wolters ' collection.
Creche Herald subscription information
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Enclose check or money order payable to Creche Herald. Mail to: Creche Herald, 117 Crosshill Road Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511 U.S.A.
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???? and Comments
Q. I have heard that Christmas music once repelled a hostile attack against early settlers in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Is that true?
A. According to the archivist at Moravian College in that city, the story is one oflegend rather than fact. However, as the tale is charming, we shall recount it here The Moravian settlement in 17 55 at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was hemmed in by hostile Native American warriors In the early hours of Christmas morning, as was the Moravian custom, a trombone choir played Christmas music. When the brass notes floated across the wilderness and reached the ears of the Native Americans, they were amazed. How could such sounds be explained? Was it a trick of the White Man? The warriors, frightened , withdrew , and the new development of Bethlehem was saved .
Nat ivity scene at the bottom of the Grotto de/lo Smeraldo , Furore, Italy
Ghanian Artist Shares His Traditions
One of the many unusual Nativity presentations at the Friends of the Creche convention in early November 2003 was that of Mohammed Amin of Ghana. Amin was interviewed several months before that event
When Mohammed Amin decided to sculpt a creche, he was inspired by a mix of cultures around him. " My Nativity is a way of showing different customs of different tribal groups in Northern Ghana where I live," said Amin
Amin has interpreted the Bethlehem creche with his native traditions. It is not angels that herald the new born Child, but musicians. "It's our traditional music instruments that inform people of what is going on. I am a Dagomba tribe member, and we use the drum, not only for music and dances, but as a means of communication," said Amin. "The Dagomba drummer in the Nativity scene is telling people to come rejoice and celebrate the birth of Christ."
Members of other tribes are in the scene and they convey the same story. The xylophonist is from a tribe in the upper west of Ghana known as the Dagati, and the man with the flute is a FraFra from the upper eastern area of Ghana
In the Nativity scene, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus are Dagombas. The adults are not seen sitting or standing adoring the Child. "After a woman gives birth according to our tradition, she becomes very tired and needs a rest. That is why Mary is lying on the mat resting while Joseph is holding his traditional walking stick," said Amin.
Then , too , the Oriental kings coming from afar bearing gifts, are replaced by several local chiefs In the rural and urban areas, lives of people are directed by their local chiefs who interpret and apply traditional laws in the region The position of chief is usually passed down through a family. In the Nativity scene, the two "kings" on horseback are Dagomba and Gonja chiefs from northern Ghana. "Chiefs from the North usually use umbrellas to show their titles and power , but in some areas , the tradition of the chief is to have a horse The larger the umbrella and the more decorated the horse, the more•--important is the chief," explained Amin. The third "king" is a rider on a camel, a nomadic Tuareg chief from northern Africa in the Sahara desert It is a reminder of the ancient days when caravans of camels carried salt from the African desert mines to trade for Ghana's gold.
Moreover, the Nativity scene takes place, not at a stable, but near two traditional northern built huts made of mud walls with thatched grass roofs and wooden supports. "There is no piped water , electricity, gas, nor telephone in them. Radios use dry cells, and some residents use car batteries as a source of electricity connected to a TV," noted Amin. " I live in the town of Tamale where most of these facilities are available. Firewood is used for cooking inside the houses and also for my kiln ."
Amin teaches art, pottery, clay sculpture and firing at his studios at Tmp.ale Institute of Cross Cultural Studies, a school run by the Christian Brothers. His works have been
exhibited at his Institute, at the United States Embassy in Ghana, and elsewhere. His art has won numerous awards, including first place in the International Creche Festival of 1996 in Bellingham, Washington He also has authored a book. "My work portrays the life of our people before the coming of the Europeans, the way we dress, our cultural dancing, and even the way we eat and greet. It is a way of bringing people together."
Article by Mary Herzel, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with contributions by Betsy Scott, Salem, Oregon.
First prize winner in the 1996 International Creche Competition in Bellingham, Washington, Mohammed Amin's creche is now in the collection of Betsy Scott
U.S. Church Reflects Holy Land Site
The Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church, Akron, Ohio, was designed to reflect the Fourth Century Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Stained glass windows of the edifice depict the Christmas Gospels. A Bethlehem Cave is a replica of the cave where Jesus was sajd to have been born and as it appears today in the Church of the Nativity. The Chapel includes the Altar of the Nativity, the Altar of the Magi, and the Manger of the Infant Jesus. Adjacent to the Chapel is the Nativity Museum which displays an international collection of Nativities Group or self guided tours are possible weekdays during regular office hours, 9 a.m. -4 p m. and on weekends. Free Donations accepted Church is located at the comer of Killian and Myersville Roads. Tel: 330-699-5086
The Creche in Modern Czech Republic by Milan
Zabransky
(Second of two installments about the creche in Czech Republic)
The most popular Nativity scenes among our people are the large mechanical ones made by the professional woodcarvers or folk artists . For example, the Kryza manger scene is the work of Tomas Kryza (1838-1918), a master hosier from Jindrichuv Hradec. Kryza spent over sixty years on his masterpiece. It extends over 60 square meters, and includes 1,398 figures, of which 133 move. Since 1998, it has been in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest mechanical Nativity.
Another famous Nativity is a wooden, unpainted one from Trebechovice made by artist Josef Probost and wood carver JosefKapucia. This one is composed of2000 carved pieces. Over 50 figures imitate human movements, and 120 figures move on wooden belts.
The greatest advances in Nativity making occurred in the period 1850-1940. Thousands of cribs from wood, paper, wax, tin, paste, fired clay and even bread originated at this time. Many were manufactured in cottage industries that were exported all over the world.
A popular Nativity form-the "manger sheet" -developed during the second half of the 18u, century. At first, the sheets were hand colored; later, they were printed by means of various techniques. Famous Czech painters, such as Mikolas Ales and Josef Lada, participated in them. Their advantage has been easy availability and price.
About 1900 , press-out paper cribs were printed and pressed in Vejprty near the German border. After World War II, the architect and painter, Vojtech Kubasa, developed his beautiful pop-up books and 3-D Nativities
After 1948, with the coming of Communism, all religious activity was restricted. Production, sale, and exhibitions of cribs were generally prohibited. Cribs could be seen only in churches at Christmas. After the "velvet revolution" in 1989, other exhibitions have sprung up over the country.
There are three museums of Nativity scenes: Karlstejn, Trebechovice, and Dvur Kralove, as well as exhibitions in several regions
The Czech Association of Friends of the Crib was established in 1990, and now boasts about 600 members. In 1994, it was accepted as a member of the International Creche Federation-the first from a post-communist country . The Czech Association will host the XVII World Congress in 2004 in Hradec Kralove.
Milan Zabransky lives in Prague, Czech Republic
Creche Herald
Editor/publisher: Rita B. Bocher
Contributing editor: Mary B. Herzel
Communications: Frank B. Herzel
117 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511 U.S.A
Web page: www.op.net/-bocassoc/ E-mail: crecher@op.net
Printed by St. Joseph's University Press, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
ONE CHRISTMAS by
Annette Penniman
Last night late, our breath snow-covered, we walked home through the pealing of bells and crossed the city square where once long ago by lighted tree Marian Anderson sang Silent Night.
This afternoon thin children of an ephemeral sun came with big shovels and cold hands to do the sidewalks.
Deep-woodland, pine-bough scent pervades. Our neighbor's window showers the evening air with lights of December.
The Christ candle burns low . The snow has started in again. I set the good blue dishes out. We will have winter soup and biscuits at the oak table by the hearth fire.
He who created lightning to clothe the angels lies new and timeless on sweet-smelling hay somewhere in the Judean hills.
Pennsylvania
Photo and wood carving by Charles Penniman, Philadelphia,
FRIENDS OF THE CRECHE NOTES
Dear Friends of the Creche,
As I write these Notes to you, I look back with considerable satisfaction to the progress of our still young society. August 2003 marked the third anniversary of our existence. We have almost 400 members from nearly fifty states and abroad. In January, we were granted Federal taxexempt status as a 50l(c)(3) organization effective on the date of our incorporation, January 2, 2001. A substantial number of you participated in our second annual election for seats on the Board of Directors. The election brought new members to the Board. We completed the first phase of our continuing Church Creche survey. You will receive a separate report on this activity.
The highlight of our year was the very successful second national convention in Hyannis, Massachusetts, in early November. We are most indebted to the generous, dedicated work of a large team of volunteers led by Father Tim Goldrick and Diane Costa Their almost two years of sustained effort produced a most memorable occasion A summary of the highlights of the convention will be mailed to all members separately. However, I will offer, once more , our sincere and heartfelt thanks
As with any new organization, we still have challenges to meet as we grow. Wehavefoundpro-bono short-term legal assistance , and have the prospects for more long term help While we have managed with our finances, some increasing costs require us to increase domestic dues to $30 As of this writing, we are still seeking to develop a website to follow the excellent 2003 convention website.
Our focus now is on our next two membership gatherings We anticipate that both the one-day 2004 meeting and the 2005 bienniaJ.,convention will be in the western part of the country. Our goal is to convene in various regions so that we can be accessible to all. Also, in 2004, the 17th World Congress of the International Society of Friends of the Creche will meet in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, September 23-26 Hradec Kralove is about 60 miles from Prague and can be reached by train or bus , The Congress is open to all members.
Looking ahead , we also will seek to develop more ways to reach out to those who cannot travel to our meetings . We hope this can be done through means such as a website, possible special mailings on topics of interest, and continued participation in the Church Creche survey.
The Board held meetings via email on June 8, 2003, and via teleconference on July 9. In the June meeting, the Board receive~ the usual reports on finances, membership , etc ., and focused on actions related to the 2003 convention, the Board election, and a preliminary consideration of
meeting venues for our 2004 and 2005 gatherings The Board voted to continue the Church survey for another year; approved guidance for our archives being established at the Marian Library of the University of Dayton (Ohio), and revised the guidance for our Award of Recognition granted in convention years In the July meeting we discussed the prospects for obtaining pro bona legal assistance, and the planning for the 2004 annual membership meeting .
In closing, I want to give a special thanks to Jay Bullock who did not seek re-election to the Board. Jay has been an important contributor in the many projects and activities of FOTC. We shall miss her presence at meetings , but look forward to her continued enthusiastic participation.
Regards, Jim Govan , President (JimGovan@aol.com)
2003 BOARD ELECTION RESULTS
We are happy to report two new members have joined the Board of Directors in addition to the re-election of two current members. Elected to three year terms were : Eileen Canty and Reverend Tim Goldrick (Massachusetts), Judith Davis (California), and John Musser (Wisconsin).The next election will be in Summer 2004
MEMBERSHIP DUES
The Board of Directors has voted to increase annual U.S. membership dues, effective January 1, 2004, to $30. We regret this action, but cost factors require us to do so As you are aware, membership includes a subscription to Creche Herald, which, effective January 1, has raised domestic rates to $18 . Shoulq we maintain the current fee , the Society would receive only $7. Given costs of insurance, accountant fees, mailings , printing, and anticipated needs such as a website and meeting costs, that sum is inadequate . We appreciate your understanding as dues are one of our primary sources of income , others being earnings from our biennial convention , and contributions . Non-U.S. memberships are $35
Friends of the Creche (FOTC) was approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 50l(c)(3) organization on January 3, 2003, effective to the date of in corporation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on January 2, 2001. The purpose of the organization is to promote the tradition of the creche. The official registration and financial information of FOTC may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State. Pennsylvania residents may call toll free : 800-732-0999 . Registration does not imply endorsement Information may also be obtained on the internet from GuideStar at www .guidestar.org FOTC does not have a permanent office Principal bu siness address is: Friends of the Creche , % Julia Colflesh, Treasurer, 523 Springfield Avenue, Folsom, PA 19033 Inquiries also may be address ed to : James Govan, President, 3619 N. Nelson Street, Arlington, VA 22207
Nativity USA Encourages Outdoor Displays
by Francis X McKee
One Christmas Eve in the mid-nineties, I wandered with man's best friend through my neighborhood. Homes stood before me, beautifully decorated all celebrating the Christmas season, a time heralding the emergence of retail stores into the black, and ostensibly celebrating the birth of Christ.
Each house in the development, mine included, had a unique expression of celebration; some had extravagant lighting schemes; others moving figurines, and yet others had lighted statues of Santa Claus Somewhere during my walk, it struck me that at not even a single home was there any overt display of Christmas, specifically the presence of an outdoor Nativity set. An idea was born.
Then, in the most unlikely of places, I stumbled upon a house cluttered with lawn ornaments pretending to be a store. In the corner of one room was the dust-covered beginnings of my family Nativity set. A couple of hundred bucks was all that separated us from Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus
Over the years , I ' ve developed a personal fascination with outdoor Nativity sets. The obvious scarcity of outdoor sets continued to trouble me . What, I wondered, could be done to encourage the outdoor display of the Nativity?
My real job is in technology solutions Could the internet be used to help spread this message? NativityUs:4 was created to do just that.
With its own website (www.NativityUSA.org) I envisioned a place where persons who encounter a bonafide Christmas symbol-an outdoor Nativity set-can submit a photograph and a description of it for all the world to see.
Please accept this as a personal warm welcome to share your Nativity experience and photographs
Francis X McKee, York, Pennsylvania, is founder of NativityU.s:4.
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The outdoor Nativity set at the McKee home. Stable is to scale and was made by the author and hi s son .
A selected view of the extensive Nativity display created by Vincent Barrisi, Virginia Beach, Virginia . Barrisi enjoys sharing his love of the Nativity, and maintains a busy correspondence with kindred souls.
The Santo Bambino ofAracoeli, Rome, Italy. The carved wooden figure is about 24" high, and heavily adorned in gold and jewels
An Infant Jesus made of wax with real human hair. Created by the French Sisters of Providence Collection of Father Charles Robinson, Crow Agency, Montana.
A dark Infant with hands raised in blessing . Collection of Brother Robert Reinke, Covington, Kentucky .
The Infant in a prayerful pose. From Joseph Galea, Victoria, Gozo, Malta.
Wax Infant with manger cloth and covering handmade by Heidemarie Suffa and Creche Society women. Matern-Kapelle, Bamberg, Germany.
The Santo Bambino
The Infant Jesus, the center of the Nativity scene, usually is surrounded by Mary and Joseph. However, sometimes Jesus appears alone. Probably the most famous of these lone figures is the Santo Bambino, a wooden statue of the Infant at the Church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome, Italy.
Said to be carved from an olive tree in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Santo Bambino is the center of one of Rome's bestloved Christmas rituals. At midnight on Christmas Eve, during the High Mass, the veiled Infant is moved from his private chapel to a ceremonial throne before the high altar. With the intonation of the "Gloria," the veil is removed and the statue is paraded to a crib on the left side of the nave. Here, the Santo Bambino receives tributes from the children of Rome who recite poems , prayers, and requests. The Santo Bambino stays in his place of honor until Epiphany, when he is taken in procession to the top of the Aracoeli's outside 124-step staircase for a final benediction of the city and its people. After a full day ofbeing exposed , the figure is returned to his personal chapel at the back of the church.
Legend surrounds the Santo Bambino Carved by a Franciscan monk in 15 th century Jerusalem, the statue was miraculously painted by an angel as the monk slept. Then, the ship which was carrying the figure to Rome got caught in a furious storm, and the carving was thrown overboard. It bounced through the stormy seas, avoiding pirates and avaricious merchant ships, finally landing at the feet of the Franciscan who had been waiting for it on the shores ofLivorno.
Unexplained, miraculous cures are attributed to the Santo Bambino. Upon request, the statue is transported to hospitals or to the beds of the sick and dying . From time to time, the jewels covering him are sold to fund relief efforts after natural disasters . Above is a photo of the Santo Bambino and other depictions of the Holy Infant.